RN Programs in West Virginia
There are fewer than 20,000 registered nurses in the state of West Virginia. According to a recent study, less than half of those registered nurses have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is a need, now more than ever, for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who are trained to lead and manage other nurses. Nursing schools across the state of West Virginia that offer online classes as well as traditional campus settings in addition to distance learning options. Nurses are encouraged to seek information from multiple schools to make the best decision possible.
In our West Virginia RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key West Virginia RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of West Virginia, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
West Virginia RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 11 | 14 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 87.73% | 484.53% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 70.94% to 93.32% | 79.18% to 3,275.01% |
| Average Net Price | $11,802.00 | $13,337.21 |
| Average Net Price Range | $3,546.00 to $21,933.00 | $8,457.00 to $21,933.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $11,055.55 | $13,520.43 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $4,644.00 to $16,000.00 | $3,563.00 to $19,107.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for West Virginia State | BSN Rankings for West Virginia State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in West Virginia
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both West Virginia and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 9 ADN degree programs and 7 BSN degree programs in West Virginia. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in West Virginia to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Fairmont State University
- 1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV - 26554-2470
- (304) 367-4000
School Information
Location: Fairmont, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.62%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 114
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown
- 148 Willey St, Morgantown, WV - 26505
- (304) 296-8282
School Information
Location: Morgantown, WV- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.57%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 115
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 3
Marshall University
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (800) 642-3463
Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia. They offer an ASN degree through a partnership with St. Mary’s School of Nursing and Marshall University. They also offer a BSN degree, which is the largest BSN program within a university setting in the region. They also offer an online RN to BSN option.
School Information
Location: Huntington, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.41%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 122
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
- 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV - 25403
- (304) 260-4380
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. They offer an ASN degree option. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College originated over 40 years ago and was originally called Shepherd Community College. It was renamed Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in 2006.
School Information
Location: Martinsburg, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.56%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 309
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Bluefield State College
- 219 Rock St, Bluefield, WV - 24701
- (304) 327-4000
School Information
Location: Bluefield, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.52%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 347
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
- Dempsey Branch Road, Mount Gay, WV - 25637
- (304) 896-7098
School Information
Location: Mount Gay, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.11%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 359
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
West Virginia Northern Community College
- 1704 Market St., Wheeling, WV - 26003-3699
- (304) 233-5900
School Information
Location: Wheeling, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.79%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 417
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 8
Davis & Elkins College
- 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV - 26241-3996
- (304) 637-1900
Davis & Elkins College is located in Elkins, West Virginia. They offer an ADN program. Unique to a community college, they also offer an online RN to BSN program. The online program can be completed in 12 months and students are kept with small cohorts so that they get to know their online peers.
School Information
Location: Elkins, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.57%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 426
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Salem International University
- 223 W Main St, Salem, WV - 26426
- (304) 326-1109
School Information
Location: Salem, WV- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 78.84%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 613
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
University of Charleston
- 2300 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, Charleston, WV - 25304
- (304) 357-4800
University of Charleston is located in Charleston, West Virginia. They have several undergraduate nursing options – an ADN degree, a BSN degree and an RN to BSN option. The RN to BSN degree is completed online and can be finished in as little as 12 months.
School Information
Location: Charleston, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
- 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV - 26104
- (304) 424-8000
School Information
Location: Parkersburg, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
ADN Programs In West Virginia
Because there is a push to educate West Virginia nurses to the baccalaureate level, it is easier to find RN programs or even BSN programs than it is to find LPN to RN programs. However, there are some options available and the programs produce quality nurses.
NCLEX Passing Rates for West Virginia ADN Programs
Marshall University has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in West Virginia of 93.32%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $8,457.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in West Virginia: 11
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.73%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 70.94% to 93.32%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in West Virginia?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in West Virginia so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in West Virginia is offered by West Virginia Northern Community College at about $3,546.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.17%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Salem International University and it will cost about $21,933.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 70.94%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inWest Virginia: $11,802.00
- Net-Price Range for West Virginia ADN Programs: $3,546.00 to $21,933.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for West Virginia Schools: $11,055.55
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in West Virginia: $4,644.00 to $16,000.00
RANKED 1
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- 59 College Ave, Buckhannon, WV - 26201-2994
- (304) 473-8000
School Information
Location: Buckhannon, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.53%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 24
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
West Virginia University
- Stewart Hall, 1500 University Avenue, Morgantown, WV - 26506-6201
- (304) 293-0111
West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. The cost of WVU is below the national average, at $7,992 per year for in-state tuition. They offer a BSN degree; their degree requires that their students log 1,100 clinical hours, 950 of which must take place in an Academic Medical Center with Level I Trauma designation. They also boast that their 2014 graduating class had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.
School Information
Location: Morgantown, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.38%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 75
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
West Liberty University
- 208 University Drive, West Liberty, WV - 26074
- (304) 336-5000
School Information
Location: West Liberty, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.70%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 139
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 4
University of Charleston
- 2300 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, Charleston, WV - 25304
- (304) 357-4800
University of Charleston is located in Charleston, West Virginia. They have several undergraduate nursing options – an ADN degree, a BSN degree and an RN to BSN option. The RN to BSN degree is completed online and can be finished in as little as 12 months.
School Information
Location: Charleston, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.57%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 144
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
RANKED 5
Marshall University
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (800) 642-3463
Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia. They offer an ASN degree through a partnership with St. Mary’s School of Nursing and Marshall University. They also offer a BSN degree, which is the largest BSN program within a university setting in the region. They also offer an online RN to BSN option.
School Information
Location: Huntington, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.03%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 328
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
Shepherd University
- 301 North King St, Shepherdstown, WV - 25443
- (304) 876-5000
Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. They offer a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a DNP program. The RN to BSN program is a hybrid program. Their nursing department offers five simulation labs – acute care, critical care, mother-child, pediatrics and independent living.
School Information
Location: Shepherdstown, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.89%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 395
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 7
Wheeling Jesuit University
- 316 Washington Ave, Wheeling, WV - 26003
- (304) 243-2000
School Information
Location: Wheeling, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 82.46%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 424
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Bluefield State College
- 219 Rock St, Bluefield, WV - 24701
- (304) 327-4000
School Information
Location: Bluefield, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Davis & Elkins College
- 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV - 26241-3996
- (304) 637-1900
Davis & Elkins College is located in Elkins, West Virginia. They offer an ADN program. Unique to a community college, they also offer an online RN to BSN program. The online program can be completed in 12 months and students are kept with small cohorts so that they get to know their online peers.
School Information
Location: Elkins, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
Fairmont State University
- 1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV - 26554-2470
- (304) 367-4000
School Information
Location: Fairmont, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Salem International University
- 223 W Main St, Salem, WV - 26426
- (304) 326-1109
School Information
Location: Salem, WV- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
American Public University System
- 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, WV - 25414
- (877) 468-6268
School Information
Location: Charles Town, WV- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
- 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV - 26104
- (304) 424-8000
School Information
Location: Parkersburg, WV- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
Alderson Broaddus College
- 101 College Hill Drive, Philippi, WV - 26416-2035
- (304) 457-1700
Alderson Broaddus University is located in Philippi, West Virginia. They offer a BSN program, an LPN to BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. The LPN to BSN program can be completed in 36 months and students can take a course that readies them to be a school nurse. The online RN to BSN program can be completed in 18 months.
School Information
Location: Philippi, WV- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
BSN Programs In West Virginia
The nursing programs in West Virginia are designed to help nurses build critical thinking, leadership, and working with a diverse population. Most of the programs can be completes within three semesters of full-time study. They can also be completed on a part-time schedule to meet the need of busy, working nurses. In order to enroll in a BSN program, nurses will need to submit a valid registered nurse license for West Virginia, and official transcript with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and completion of prerequisite courses.
NCLEX Passing Rates for West Virginia BSN Programs
Marshall University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in West Virginia with a score of 3,275.01%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $8,457.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in West Virginia: 14
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 484.53%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 79.18% to 3,275.01%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in West Virginia?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in West Virginia to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in West Virginia is offered by Marshall University and will cost you about $8,457.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 3,275.01%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Salem International University and will cost you about $21,933.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in West Virginia: $13,337.21
- Net-Price Range for West Virginia BSN Programs: $8,457.00 to $21,933.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for West Virginia Schools: $13,520.43
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in West Virginia: $3,563.00 to $19,107.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in West Virginia
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in West Virginia
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in West Virginia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
West Virginia RN Licensing Requirements
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50
License renewal (annual), RN: $65
Continuing Education Requirements:
12 contact hours per renewal period
RN Licensure by Exams
Candidates must complete a criminal background check before obtaining licensure. Candidates should schedule an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions in order to meet this requirement. Scheduling can be completed online. The application fee is $51.50 and there is an additional $200 fee that is made payable to Pearson VUE, the company that hosts the NCLEX exam. There are two certifications that must be included with the application: someone who can attest to the good moral character of the candidate and one from the director or dean of the nursing program. A candidate may be issued a 90-day temporary permit after graduation but it will become invalidated if the is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam on the first attempt. In this case, the candidate will need to reapply and pay additional fees. After two failed attempts, there will be additional requirements that will need to be met before obtaining authorization again.
RN License by Endorsement
Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of West Virginia after submitting fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases nurses who completed a program outside of the United States will also be able to obtain licensure in West Virginia. Candidates will be required to submit certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to applying to take the NCLEX exam through the Board. There is a $60 fee for the endorsement.
RN Salaries in West Virginia
The demand for nurses could grow by 23% by the year 2020 which may create up to 4,000 new jobs. Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree will find that they are well prepared to handle the constantly evolving industry. Nurses in West Virginia earn a median income level of $53,100. The specific wages are dependent on the education and experience level of the individual nurse. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive training in leadership and management, which prepares them for administrative positions within hospitals and nursing homes.
West Virginia Registered Nursing Salaries
The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest number of employed registered nurses along with the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | 4,350 | $26.64 | $54,850 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 4,280 | $26.51 | $54,320 |
| Morgantown, WV | 2,400 | (8)- | (8)- |
| Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH | 1,780 | $26.78 | $53,940 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 1,600 | $24.37 | $49,610 |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 2,870 | $26.03 | $53,210 |
| North Central West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 2,840 | $25.47 | $52,430 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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